Archbishop Makarios of Australia was in Athens, Greece this week to participate in roundtable discussions about the current war in Ukraine.
According to Orthodox Times, Archbishop Makarios visited the Representation Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Athens during his brief visit.
The Archbishop was welcomed to the offices by Metropolitan Theodoretos of Laodicea, Director of the Office and representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Athens.
During a meeting, the pair discussed issues of common interest, as well as the progress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The Minns Labor Government have announced they will commit up to $17.7 million to repair and upgrade the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink to a world class standard allowing the rink to be reopened.
Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, where thousands of recreational and elite skaters have flocked to for over 51 years in Sydney’s south west was closed by the New South Wales government in August 2022.
The skating community throughout NSW and the residents of Sydneys south west were devastated at the closure of rink and a rally hit the streets chanting “Save Canterbury Ice Rink” in hopes of reopening.
A petition was also launched to reopen the much loved skating rink and successfully received 10,000 signatures including the support from several high profile organisations such as the Australian Olympic Committee.
Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP, said in a statement about the rink reopening, “Over a thousand students attend the Olympic ice rink for sport, thousands of families come from across Sydney to participate and train.”
Ms Cotsis at the rally. Photo: Jeremy Curran / Facebook.
“I’m very proud that a Minns Labor Government will reopen the rink. Thank you to Danielle O’Brien, Joanna Bitar and the hundreds of students, parents and community members from across Sydney who have fought every day to see this announcement made.”
The ice rink, a former aircraft hangar, was opened in 1971 and is one of only two remaining Olympic-sized ice rinks in Sydney, producing 22 Olympians. The rink received more than 120,000 patrons each year including 1,000 school students and 600 skating students each week, according to a statement from NSW Labor.
Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink also supported over 50 local jobs including coaching and youth coaching as well as catering staff. Run by a not-for-profit cooperative board, the rink also provided sports and services for many young people with disabilities.
In a NSW Labor statement, Member for Strathfield, Jason Yat-Sen Li, said, “the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink will not only survive, it will also thrive” when it reopens.
Constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.
Despite political pushback from the Australian Liberal Party for the referendum, a range of opinion polls show a majority of Australians are favourably disposed towards a Voice to parliament.
Mr Albanese also has the support of the state premiers, and a number of prominent community and business leaders.
A statement endorsing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament was shared with The Greek Herald for Australia Day and among the signatories are already 247 Greek Australians from the education and arts sectors, as well as students and community activists.
The statement urged “all Australians, from every cultural background, to vote YES” to the referendum to make Australia “a fairer and more equitable place for all.”
“Indigenous voices have been silenced and their views overlooked as the colonisers decide what is best for them,” the statement reads.
“This must change. The time is overdue for our First Peoples to have a formal say on policies, programs and laws that directly impact on their lives.
“We extend our respect and support to our Indigenous brothers and sisters, by voting YES for the establishment of a Voice to Parliament enshrined in the constitution, as outlined in the generous Uluru Statement from the Heart.“
NSW Labor ministers, Sophie Cotsis MP and Jihad Dib MP, in conjunction with the Energy and Water Ombudsman, will be hosting a Cost of Living, ‘Bring Your Bills’ Forum in Lakemba on 9 February to help NSW families.
This community forum will include representation from Government organisations to help locals find discounts and rebates on their everyday bills.
The issue of Cost of Living is affecting local families across the state. Last year, Sophie Cotsis MP, distributed a Community Survey to the Canterbury electorate, which found that Cost of Living was among the top three most important issues for local residents.
The Energy and Water Ombudsman, Housing NSW, Revenue NSW, Service NSW, and Sydney Water are amongst those who will be available on the day including many more.
“Residents will have an opportunity to have face-to-face interaction with service representatives, to discuss issues and concerns rather than be pressured to go online for answers and information,” said Ms Cotsis.
“Cost of living pressures are increasing day by day. Residents from my local community are struggling to afford fresh fruit and vegetables are resorting to cutting meals or sourcing cheaper but unhealthy meal alternatives.”
“Whether it’s soaring electricity or gas prices, groceries or tolls, families are doing it tougher than ever before. This forum is about making sure people know what is available to them during these difficult times,” said Mr Dib.
“Every single day people visit my office asking for help as they struggle to pay the most necessary of bills,” he said.
The event is being held on February 9 from 1 to 5PM at Uniting Church Hall, Lakemba. RSVP is critical, contact 9718 1234 for RSVPs.
The plan includes 480 projects worth 7.7 billion euros, with a new international airport in the Cretan village of Kasteli.
Mitsotakis was visiting Crete on Wednesday to announce the plans and said the new international airport will be completed on schedule and will be “an architectural jewel but also a beacon of development” for Greece.
Το σχέδιό μας για την Κρήτη του 2030 περιλαμβάνει 480 έργα ύψους 7,7 δισ. ευρώ, με εμβληματικότερα τον Βόρειο Οδικό Άξονα και το νέο αεροδρόμιο στο Καστέλι. Ενώ παράλληλα προχωρούν και οι μελέτες για την αξιοποίηση του υφιστάμενου αεροδρομίου «Νίκος Καζαντζάκης». pic.twitter.com/j4cddXtuFk
“We are talking about the biggest construction site at the moment in our country. We are talking about one of the biggest airports being built in Europe, an airport which will finally be bigger than that initially foreseen,” Mitsotakis said.
“This is because we have to anticipate and take into account the very positive developments that have taken place since the airport was originally planned.
Greece’s Tourism Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, has confirmed in an exclusive statement to The Greek Herald that his ministry aims to open an office of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) in Melbourne, Victoria by April this year.
The office will be housed at the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) landmark Greek Centre in Lonsdale Street.
“We are very happy to be able to open an GNTO office in Melbourne, satisfying the request of hundreds of thousands of our expatriates,” Minister Kikilias told The Greek Herald exclusively.
Greek Centre.
“The relevant legislation will be submitted directly to the Greek Parliament with the aim of having the office operating within the first quarter of the year, showcasing the beauties of our country and making it an attractive destination for Australian travellers.”
The Greek Tourism Minister said he expects to see more visitors from Australia in 2023 because of the influential role of the GNTO office in promoting Greece to travellers.
Mr Papastergiadis welcomed the news and said “it is a dream come true for us.”
“We are delighted with the Greek government’s decision to go ahead with the opening of the GNTO office at the Greek Centre as it is something we have been encouraging for eight years and finally, Minister Kikilias will make it happen,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
The Greek Tourism Minister also thanked Mr Papastergiadis in his statement for his “very good and constructive cooperation and also for granting the building facilities that will house the GNTO office.”
At least 11 Greek Australians have been named by the Governor General today in the Australia Day 2023 Honours List. They are a small but significant portion of the total number of 1047 Australians recognised on the list.
“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. The recipients have had a significant impact at the local, national and international level and are, quite simply, inspiring,” the Governor-General said in a statement.
These are the Greek Australians who were recognised:
Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions)
The Honourable Emilios John Kyrou AO, Victoria
The Honourable Emilios John Kyrou AO has been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List for distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, to professional associations, and to the community.
Born in Sfikia in the north of Greece, Mr Kyrou arrived in Victoria, Australia with his family at the age of eight. He tells The Greek Herald that having to translate for his parents when negotiating with real estate agents made him realise it was important to know the law to protect oneself. This realisation saw him go on to complete a law degree at Melbourne University and he is now a judge of the Court of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
“I regard [the recognition] as an award not just for me but also for the organisations with which I am associated – including the Supreme Court of Victoria, the charity ‘Pronia’ and the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association – and their people,” Mr Kyrou says.
“I hope that the award inspires young people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities or with disadvantaged backgrounds not only to pursue their chosen careers but to excel.”
Ms Mary Patetsos AM, South Australia
Mary Patetsos has been recognised this Australia Day for significant service to multicultural affairs and to aged care through board positions.
Ms Patetsos has been Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia since 2017, and Chair of the ACH Group since 2007. The Greek Australian is also a Council Member of the University of South Australia since 2017, and has been a member of the Community Advisory Committee at the Special Broadcasting Service since 2017.
“It’s a huge privilege for me to be recognised. I think being the child of Greek migrants, I’m particularly proud on behalf of my parents… It’s an honour to them,” Ms Patetsos tells The Greek Herald.
“It’s a real indicator of the strength of Australia’s migration program that post war migrants were able to create such enormous capacity within the second and third generation that we’re able to honour the country that they came to and called home.”
Mr Harilaos Xydas AM, Western Australia
Hariolaos Xydas has been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List for significant service to the building and construction industry.
Mr Xydas has been the Chair of DoricGroup since 1989 and is a former President of the Australian Institute of Building from 2001-2002. The Greek Australian has also held executive positions on the Boards of the Australian Organisational Excellence Foundation, the Chief Executives Organisation and the Youth President’s Organisation.
Ms Elizabeth Exintaris OAM, Victoria
Elizabeth Exintaris has contributed in various ways to the Greek community as a musician and composer. From concerts to charity events, radio interviews and her active role in Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival, her presence has been pivotal. She has held influential positions at the Greek Children’s Choir in Victoria and the Greek Florinian Choir, while also educating for the last 20 years.
“It’s an honour for me. I am really proud, shocked and thrilled that I received the award and that people recognised me for what I have done for the community,” she tells The Greek Herald.
“I really appreciate those who nominated me and pushed my application. I have done many things for the community and I am also proud that I am Greek and I represent Hellenism in this award.”
Mr Emanuel George Kallinicos OAM, Queensland
The Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Brisbane has been part of Mr Emanuel George Kallinicos’ family history and life for many years since his great uncle was president in the 1940s. From 2001 to 2005, Mr Kallinicos occupied the same presidential position.
Forty years ago, he was also a founding director of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Queensland.
“For me this award is a recognition for the 35 years in which I have strengthened the Orthodox church and the Greeks of Brisbane in general,” he tells The Greek Herald.
“I am quite proud of the nomination, but when I embarked on community and charitable work it was to help and not to get awards. I am humbled that people around me thought highly of my contribution over so many years and considered me worthy for nomination.”
Mrs Betty Joyce Lukas OAM, Victoria
Betty Joyce Lukas has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List for her service to tennis.
Mrs Lukas is the Co-Founder of the Narre Warren Tennis Club since 1982 and is a current life member. She’s also been a former President of the Berwick and District Tennis Association. From 1999 – 2011, Mrs Lukas was also a representative of Tennis Victoria.
Ms Pauline Maniskas OAM, New South Wales
Pauline Maniskas’ service to the community of the Central Coast in New South Wales has been more than important. Since 2005, she has been a foundation member and Secretary of the Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association and for the last three years, Board Director of Camp Breakaway. She has also volunteered for 30 years at Our Lady Star of the Sea.
“I feel very humble as there are so many wonderful volunteers on the Central Coast and beyond that do tireless work in some difficult circumstances. I feel like I am accepting this honour on behalf of many wonderful men and women all over Australia,” she tells The Greek Herald.
“My Greek friend and soulmate of some 55 years nominated me, without me knowing it, before she died, just three months ago. I’m sure she is smiling down on me.”
Mrs Alexandra Vakitsidis OAM, South Australia
Alexandra Vakitsidis was born in Lemos, Prespa in the Florina region of Greece and came to Australia at the age of 17. She is a member of the Greek and Greek Cypriot Women in Australia Association since 1999 and an Ambassador of The Hospital Research Foundation since 2012.
She has been awarded for her service to the Greek community of Adelaide and tells The Greek Herald it is an honour to be recognised.
“It’s good when someone recognises you and a lot of people afterwards can think of doing what you did to help others too,” Alexandra says.
Meritorious Award
Ms Deborah Lynne Efthymiades PSM (Public Service Medal), ACT
Deborah Efthymiades has led a number of education strategies for the ACT to support and deliver excellence and equity in educational outcomes for each and every child and young person, making sure early childhood education is high-quality, accessible and affordable.
Ms Efthymiades has played a critical role in cross jurisdictional collaborations and negotiations on national reforms, such as the National School Reform Agreement and associated National Policy Initiatives. She has also led significant legislative reforms resulting in a new regulatory model for non-government schools.
Ms Efthymiades led the ACT’s transition to NAPLAN online, as well as nation leading improvements in measuring of student outcomes, including through a wellbeing lens.
Ms Denise Constantinou ACM (Australian Corrections Medal), New South Wales
Denise Constantinou commenced duties with Corrective Services New South Wales in 2001 as an Intern Psychologist. She is currently a Senior Psychologist and Team Leader at the Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre.
Throughout her 21-year career, she has been instrumental in the rehabilitation of offenders who need psychological and therapeutic help for Substance Abuse Disorder. She leads a multi-disciplinary team of psychologists, Community Corrections Officers and Services and Programs Officers to deliver an intensive Alcohol or Other Drug (AOD) program. As Team Leader, she oversees all aspects of treatment at the centre, ensuring the quality of the AOD program delivered to offenders who are at high risk of relapse.
Military (Distinguished and Conspicuous)
Colonel John George Papalitsas, CSC and Bar (Bar to the Conspicuous Service Cross), Australian Army
Colonel John George Papalitsas is being recognised for outstanding achievement as the Commanding Officer of the North West Mobile Force and as the inaugural Commander of the Regional Force Surveillance Group.
Colonel Papalitsas’ contribution to Border Protection Operations and Indigenous Development have had a profound and enduring effect. His exemplary leadership significantly improved the operational capacity and professional reputation of North West Mobile Force and the Regional Force Surveillance Group. His passionate devotion to duty delivered exceptional results in ‘closing the gap’ for indigenous Australians.
It was a cold Saturday afternoon in Athens and most Greeks were getting ready to welcome 2023 inside their cozy homes, together with their families. Only a few people were in the airport, ready to fly abroad on New Year’s Eve, and my friend and I were among them.
We passed the security checks looking at the empty lines around us, holding a ticket to the edge of the world in our hands. A trip of 20 hours was ahead of us. A new challenge, a journey to the most distant place we could have ever picked to live in.
After four hours of flying, we landed at Abu Dhabi and before we leave for Australia, we could already hear Greek voices on the plane. A couple of older people waved their hands at us.
“We came to Australia when we were 18 years old and today we are 70. We got married and we still live in Melbourne,” they told us.
Another Greek man in his 60s started narrating his experiences as a taxi driver in Melbourne. All of a sudden, it felt like home.
Melbourne at night. All photos by Giorgos Psomiadis.
Happy New Year
It was 10pm when we fastened our seatbelts. The plane staff provided every passenger with hats and huge paper glasses with ‘Happy New Year’ on them. The Greek couple smiled in a festive mood from the other side of the plane. Moments later they were counting loudly backwards to welcome the new year with us. The thirteen-hour flight to Melbourne, Victoria had begun.
Time passed slowly, with occasional packed meals, chocolate treats, unfinished movies, podcasts and only two hours of sleep. We tried to close our eyes many times, but we couldn’t. Australia was waiting for us, and together with that, the exciting feeling of the unknown.
Touchdown
Heat. The moment we left Melbourne airport, we realised that summer was here. While we were in our Uber, on our way to the hostel, there was a specific moment when the city’s skyscrapers were visible in the horizon.
“The center of Melbourne was full of people yesterday night,” the driver said as I noticed he was sitting on the right side of the car. He looked at me through the car’s rearview mirror.
“Fireworks were everywhere in the sky. You should have been here to see that.”
After leaving our stuff in the hostel, we went out. On January 1, a few people were having fun in the city. There was a certain sense of freedom though. It was night and streets were lit up with neon signs. Asian restaurants were serving ramen and Vietnamese soups. Elizabeth street was full of customers lining up to get poke caps from Hawaiian restaurants. The temperature was 38 degrees. Next day it would be 16.
Wearing funny T-shirts, swimsuits and flip flops, people were celebrating the new year in groups enjoying summer in the city. Hippies were playing music with their dogs laying tired next to them. Everywhere around us there were skyscrapers next to old Victorian architecture buildings, screens with burger advertisements high above our heads. In the CBD area you could feel close to the sea even though you were lost in a labyrinth of buildings. Walking in the center of Melbourne for the first time, you get the impression that you have suddenly discovered a city of parallel universes. A vibrant, multicultural society is waiting for you to be integrated and together with that a futuristic, rapidly changing world welcomes you.
It took us a while to get used to the hour change. For six nights we were waking up in the middle of the night waiting for time to pass. One of these early mornings, we got off our bed and went out on the street. While we were taking a walk in the quiet northern suburbs, the sky was lit by the first morning light. We were astonished to find boxes full of books and toys in front of the doors of some people’s homes with the words ‘Free for everyone.’ It was almost six when we got back to our hostel. The sun was reflecting on the skyscrapers and the dawn felt like a warm welcome.
Apartment Hunting
Before visiting our first apartments for inspection in the centre of Melbourne, we knew that finding something good would be a challenge. Soon we realised that we had absolutely no clue how hard it would prove to be. 30 people were waiting in the inspection line. References after references were requested from us. Inspections were cancelled once you were already at the meeting point. The price of renting skyrocketing at the last minute. In the CBD area, it’s almost impossible to find an appropriate, furnished apartment for two people for less than $420 a week. If you do, good luck applying for it. While searching for an apartment in a big city, you get the feeling that absolutely no one cares about you. A true marathon, with runners packed in elevators.
Greeks everywhere
Coming to Australia we brought with us an old book with yellow pages that we had found in a second-hand bookshop in Athens. It was written in 1953 and its title was I am coming from Australia- Impressions of a journalist. For us, this was our first contact with the Greek people here. The admiration of a visitor who seventy years ago was walking on the same streets that we were about to walk.
From traditional Greek restaurants, to Hellenic museums and orthodox churches, Melbourne felt like home. We were lucky enough to be invited to the home of one Greek family. One generation after another, Greeks are keeping their traditions alive and that is something you could notice everywhere in the house. On the newspapers’ front pages hanging on the wall, in the traditional food they served us and the Greek music which was playing on repeat while we were talking.
I also don’t think I have ever been to such an impressive Cretan festivity before as the one I saw during the first days of my life in Melbourne. People of different ages coming together, musicians playing traditional instruments and cheering the crowd up, talented dancing groups giving everything they have on stage. You could see the nostalgia for home in people’s faces. Emotions were everywhere. And we hadn’t been to Oakleigh yet. The most famous Greek neighbourhood in Melbourne is waiting for us.
Karvelas was recognised for her outstanding contribution to journalism education and will continue building on a range of projects with RMIT students working towards a career in the media industry.
Twenty years ago, Karvelas started her professional career at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Special Broadcasting Service. She currently hosts RN Breakfast on ABC Radio National.
In a statemennt, the Dean of RMIT’s School of Media and Communication, Professor Lisa French, welcomed Karvelas’ appointment.
RMIT has appointed highly respected Australian journalist, @PatsKarvelas, as an Honorary Professor in recognition of her outstanding contribution to journalism education.https://t.co/YFfSXbYeKh
“Patricia is one of the country’s most respected journalists,” Ms French said.
“She is a leader in broadcasting, which is also one of RMIT’s strengths, and has a reputation as a passionate ally for her work with Indigenous Australians.”
Karvelas said of her appointment at RMIT: “Returning to my alma mater to take up this honorary professorial role gives me great pride.”
“I believe journalism has never been more important and I hope to be able to provide leadership for the country’s future journalists,” Karvelas added.
Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou has expressed his disapproval of “continuous Welcome to Country ceremonies” in a recent social media video, sparking a new debate ahead of Australia Day on January 26.
“I was born in Australia the son of Greek Cypriot refugees. Whilst attending school I have only ever known one flag and celebrated Australia Day proudly on January 26th,” Councillor Christou said in a TikTok video.
“I’m sick and tired of the endless Welcome to Country ceremonies in my place of birth. One Flag, One Nation united.”
The video received a number of mixed reactions on the social media platform, with Councillor Christou eventually turning off the comments section.
This statement comes as Australia continues to grapple with debates around Australia Day and whether it should be celebrated on January 26 or another date out of respect for First Nations peoples.
